SCIENCE EDUCATION DRUG ABUSE PARTNERSHIP AWARD
RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2002
PA NUMBER: PA-02-070 (This PA has been replaced, see PAR-05-105)
EXPIRATION DATE: March 30, 2005, unless reissued.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
(www.nida.nih.gov)
THIS PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT (PA) CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
o Purpose of the PA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism of Support
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Where to send Inquiries
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations
PURPOSE OF THIS PA
This PA will replace, in its entirety, the Science Education Drug Abuse
Partnership Award (SEDAPA), PAR-99-076, published in the NIH Guide March 23,
1999.
The purpose of the SEDAPA Program is to fund the development and evaluation
of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and
understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction
among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other
groups. The award provides support for the formation of partnerships between
scientists and educators, media experts, community leaders, and other
interested organizations for the development and evaluation of programs and
materials that will enhance knowledge and understanding of science related to
drug abuse. The intended focus is on topics not well addressed in existing
efforts by educational, community, or media activities.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
In recent years there has been increasing awareness of the need to improve
efforts in science education in order to maintain U.S. competitiveness and
meet future demands in the international technology marketplace.
Furthermore, in order for NIH to fulfill its mission, there is a need to
ensure that adequate numbers of students are entering science education
tracks and eventually pursuing careers in biomedical sciences. It is also
important to the mission of NIH that other groups, such as the general
public, health care workers, etc. are scientifically literate. This science
literacy should not only include basic science knowledge, but also an
understanding of the process of biomedical research and an ability to
evaluate the quality of research studies that are reported in the media.
It is particularly important to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
that all members of society understand the role of science, biology, and
technology as they relate to neuroscience, behavioral science, and drug abuse
and addiction research. There is a lack of public understanding of behaviors
that increase the risk for drug abuse, the use of animals in drug abuse
related behavioral and biomedical research, and the necessity for basic
research to make progress toward improving health. Furthermore, there is a
substantial misunderstanding about the nature of addiction as a biologically
based brain disorder. To address all of these issues, it is imperative that
efforts be made to educate our Nation"s school children, the general public,
health care workers, members of the judicial system, the media, and other
groups about the science of addiction.
Description of the Program. To address the above issues, NIDA is continuing
the SEDAPA Program. To address the goals of the SEDAPA Program, proposed
science education projects should be developed for one or more of the
following groups: 1) students and teachers at the kindergarten through 12th
grade levels, 2) the general public, 3) health care practitioners, 4) members
of the judicial system, 5) members of the media, and 6) other groups that
have a need to be scientifically literate. Programs aimed at school children
should convey the scientific process in a way which makes learning science
fun and interesting for the students and which captures their enthusiasm for
science. Programs aimed at other groups should be directed to increasing
their knowledge of scientific terms, concepts, reasoning, and ability to
understand scientific public policy issues. Regardless of the intended
audience, all projects must involve a partnership between scientists and
educators, media experts, community leaders, or other interested
organizations. All projects must also enhance knowledge and understanding of
science related to drug abuse. To gain maximum benefit from the program,
funding priority will be given to projects that are innovative, that do not
duplicate existing programs, that have the potential to be replicated for
widespread use, and that build on existing science education programs
whenever possible. Funding will not be provided to maintain ongoing
programs. Programs which support science education for the special needs of
underrepresented groups are encouraged.
Programmatic activities must propose to increase science literacy and
understanding among one or more of the groups listed above. These activities
must focus on topics not well addressed through existing efforts by
educational, community, or media activities in the geographic area(s) which
the program will reach. Wherever relevant and possible, activities must
focus on conveying the importance of the responsible use of animals in
research. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following
types:
o Development of innovative curricula using state-of-the-art technology.
o Development of and/or presentation of media programs on the science of drug
abuse and addiction. These may include television, radio, motion pictures
(including videotape and videodisc), newspaper articles, magazine articles,
books, experiments, computer software, CD-ROMs, Internet sites, or other
written, electronic, or audiovisual presentations designed to educate about
the biology of drug abuse and addiction.
o Development of programs in settings designed to educate the public about
the biology of drug abuse and addiction. These may be in museums, shopping
centers, public buildings, schools, science fairs, or any other suitable
places which are open to all or to a segment of the public.
o Provision of training, resources, and support for scientists to speak to
students, the general public, teachers, parents, health care practitioners,
the media or other audiences, such as at PTAs, in classrooms, at workshops
for teachers, the media, parents or students, etc.
o Development of programs to provide innovative mentorships for students
wishing to learn more about science. This activity may be in formal school
settings or other community settings. The activity may provide for qualified
persons who serve as teachers, as resource persons, or as consultants. Such
activities might include working with gifted and talented programs or setting
university-based programs for high school students with local school systems.
The description of the program must contain the following elements:
o Specific goals to be achieved and their relevance to the science of drug
abuse and addiction.
o Activities to be completed, with discussion of how these activities can
accomplish the stated goals.
o A statement of why this is a model program or innovative project.
o For those projects that focus on K-12 science education, a statement of how
the project incorporates the National Science Education Standards and how the
project will be incorporated into the classroom. A copy of the National
Science Education Standards is available on the World Wide Web at
http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/.
o A clear demonstration of an education and scientific partnership(s) with a
description of the nature and extent of partnerships and collaborations to be
developed (or, for those already established, plans for expansion or
modification), and the roles of key participants in the planning and conduct
of the project. Documentation of the interest and commitment of partnership
members to the project must be provided.
o The administrative plan to organize and manage the overall project and the
timetable for the various tasks and activities for the entire project period
requested.
o Plans for how materials will be disseminated to a broad audience or how
model programs may be replicated, including to underrepresented groups in
science, such as minorities and women.
o Plans for continuation of the project after the grant period has ended.
o Plans for assessments/evaluations for determining if the project is
successful in achieving its objectives. Descriptions of both formative and
summative evaluations and plans to modify the project according to evaluation
results are to be included.
o Evidence of the applicant institution"s commitment to the SEDAPA Program,
including a discussion of: 1) the incentives that would be offered to
individuals who elect to participate, and 2) institutional resources that
would be devoted to the program. Such incentives might include the awarding
of sabbaticals, time released from other duties, or special recognition to
individuals to permit them to participate in the program. Institutional
resources might include office and workshop space, computer facilities, and
administrative and technical services.
o A statement of the applicant institution"s capabilities and experiences
which are relevant to the stated goals.
o Include names and qualifications of all relevant personnel, with biosketch
forms completed.
o Identification of scientists and educational experts who would participate
in the development or delivery of the program and a description of how
suitable people for these tasks will be located and recruited for the
program. Biosketches for identified persons should be provided. Types of
scientists might include neuroscientists, pharmacologists, physiologists,
psychologists, chemists, biologists, clinicians, sociologists, and
epidemiologists.
o Letters stating their commitment to the project from agencies, groups, or
persons whose cooperation is important to the achievement of the stated
purpose, such as school officials, members of museum boards, television
station directors, newspaper or magazine editors, or members of relevant
community groups. These should be in the appendix.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
This PA will use the NIH education (R25) award mechanism. As an applicant,
you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the
proposed project. Applications may not exceed four years and requested
annual direct costs may not exceed $250,000. Facilities and administrative
(F&A) costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of total allowable direct
costs.
Conditions of Award
All publications, audiovisual materials and other products resulting from
SEDAPA activities supported entirely or in substantial part by NIH/NIDA
should include the following or comparable acknowledgement of support:
"This project was supported by a Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership
Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of
Health. Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not
necessarily represent the official views of NIDA or NIH."
An annual progress report must be filed with the Grants Management Office,
NIDA, and a final report is due within 90 days of the end of the project
period. Reports should summarize the goals, methods, and results of the
activity undertaken. Each report should be accompanied by at least two
copies of any materials intended for dissemination that were developed
through the SEDAPA Program.
Any products derived from the project activity must be publicized and must be
freely available in the public domain. Products may be distributed under a
cost recovery system. Any project funded under the SEDAPA Program may not be
used to endorse or publicize any profit-making activities.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
You may submit an application if your institution has any of the following
characteristics:
o Domestic organization with a scientific and/or education mission
o For-profit or non-profit organizations
o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals,
professional societies, museums, media producers, private foundations and
industries, and research laboratories
o Units of State and local governments
o Eligible agencies of the Federal government
o Faith-based organizations
INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry
out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to
develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial
and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always
encouraged to apply for NIH programs.
WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES
We encourage your inquiries concerning this PA and welcome the opportunity to
answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three
areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management
issues:
o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:
Cathrine A. Sasek, Ph.D.
Office of Science Policy and Communications
Science Policy Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Blvd. Room 5226, MSC 9591
Bethesda, MD 20892-9591
Telephone: (301) 443-6071
FAX: 301-443-6277
E-mail: csasek@nih.gov
o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to:
Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 3131, MSC 9541
Bethesda, MD 20892-9541
FAX: (301) 594-6847
E-mail: gf6s@nih.gov
o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:
Teresa Levitin, Ph.D.
Office of Extramural Affairs
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 3158, MSC 9547
Bethesda, MD 20892-9547
Telephone: (301) 443-2755
FAX: 301-443-0538
E-mail: tl25u@nih.gov
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application
instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive
format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 435-0714,
Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES: Applications submitted in response to this program
announcement will be accepted at the standard application deadlines, which
are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. Application
deadlines are also indicated in the PHS 398 application kit.
SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of
the application, including the checklist, and five signed photocopies in one
package to:
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service)
APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by or mailed before the
receipt dates described at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. The CSR will not
accept any application in response to this PA that is essentially the same as
one currently pending initial review unless the applicant withdraws the
pending application. The CSR will not accept any application that is
essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the
submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but
such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous
critique.
PEER REVIEW PROCESS
Applications submitted for this PA will be assigned on the basis of
established PHS referral guidelines. An appropriate scientific review group
convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures
(http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific
and technical merit.
As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
o Receive a written critique
o Undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have
the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under
review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score
o Receive a second level review by the National Advisory Council on Drug
Abuse
REVIEW CRITERIA
The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of
biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. In
the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following
aspects of your application in order to judge the likelihood that the
proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these
goals:
o Significance
o Approach
o Innovation
o Personnel
o Environment
As stated above, the purpose of the SEDAPA Program is to fund the development
of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and
understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction
among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other
groups. In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the
following aspects of the application in order to judge the likelihood that
the proposed project will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of the
program"s goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in
assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each
application.
(1) SIGNIFICANCE: Does the project meet relevant science education goals?
Does the project address currently unmet needs? How will the proposed
project advance science and drug abuse education and literacy? Does the
project have the potential for widespread dissemination or impact? Does the
project have relevance to the science of drug abuse and addiction?
(2) APPROACH: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses
adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the
project? Is the evaluation well developed and able to measure the impact of
the project? Is the project feasible? Does the project address the goals of
the SEDAPA Program? Are the National Science Education Standards addressed
for those projects that focus on K-12 education? Is the program likely to be
continued after the grant funding ends? How well developed and feasible are
the dissemination plans? What are the administrative plans and timetable?
(3) INNOVATION: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches, or
methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project focus on
topics not well addressed through existing efforts by educational, community,
or media activities in the geographic area(s) which the program will reach?
(4) PERSONNEL: Are the personnel appropriately trained and well suited to
carry out this project? Is the proposed project appropriate to the
experience level of the key personnel and other participants (if any)? Are
all appropriate scientific and education experts represented?
(5) ENVIRONMENT: Does the environment in which the project will be done
contribute to the probability of success? Have appropriate scientific-
educational partnerships been formed? Is there adequate institutional
commitment from partnership members? Does the proposed project take
advantage of unique features of the educational or scientific environment or
employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional
support? Are resources adequate to conduct and complete the project?
ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, your
application will also be reviewed with respect to the following:
PROTECTIONS: The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals, or
the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project
proposed in the application.
INCLUSION: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all
racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the
scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of
subjects will also be evaluated. (See Inclusion Criteria included in the
section on Federal Citations, below)
BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period
of support in relation to the proposed research.
AWARD CRITERIA
Applications submitted in response to a PA will compete for available funds
with all other recommended applications. The following will be considered in
making funding decisions:
o Scientific merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review
o Availability of funds
o Relevance to program priorities
REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS
MONITORING PLAN AND DATA SAFETY AND MONITORING BOARD: Research components
involving Phase I and II clinical trials must include provisions for
assessment of patient eligibility and status, rigorous data management,
quality assurance, and auditing procedures. In addition, it is NIH policy
that all clinical trials require data and safety monitoring, with the method
and degree of monitoring being commensurate with the risks (NIH Policy for
Data Safety and Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, June 12,
1998: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH: It is the policy of
the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations
must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a
clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is
inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of
the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993
(Section 492B of Public Law 103-43).
All investigators proposing clinical research should read the AMENDMENT "NIH
Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical
Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and
Contracts on October 9, 2001 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-
files/NOT-OD-02-001.html), a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are
available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm.
The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical
research, updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB
standards, clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical
trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398, and updated roles and
responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy
continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a)
all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of
plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by
sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable, and
b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting
analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group
differences.
INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of
21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported
by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include
them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for
receipt dates after October 1, 1998.
All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the
"NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in
research involving human subjects that is available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm.
REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS: NIH
policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for
all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human
subjects. You will find this policy announcement in the NIH Guide for Grants
and Contracts Announcement, dated June 5, 2000, at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS (hESC): Criteria for federal funding of research
on hESCs can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/stem_cells.htm and at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only
research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem
Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (see http://escr.nih.gov).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the official NIH
identifier(s)for the hESC line(s)to be used in the proposed research.
Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without
review.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to
provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a
project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2)
cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action
that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed
through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope
of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.
Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public
archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the
distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should
include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include
information about this in the budget justification section of the
application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure
informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the
potential for wider use of data collected under this award.
URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals
for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations.
Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs)
should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because
reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore,
we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they
directly access an Internet site.
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy
People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA
is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.279, and is not subject to the
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health
Systems Agency review. Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301
and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and
administered under NIH grants policies described at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm and under Federal Regulations
42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free
workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition,
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in
certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early
childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent
with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of
the American people.